Auditions are held from fall to spring on campus and in select cities in the northeast. Portfolio reviews are held on campus. Applicants who are unable to attend an audition or portfolio review in person should use SlideRoom to submit a recorded audition or digital portfolio. To schedule a virtual portfolio review (via video conference), email Amanda Torpey, assistant director of Admissions, Women’s 30 Snake Open Back Vergemoli Aldo Multicolour Slippers P8wq8U.

Scholarships

For music majors: All students are considered for scholarship opportunities. If awarded, the scholarship will be included in your financial aid award letter.

For non-music majors: You are welcome and encouraged to audition for a non-music-major ensemble scholarship ($1,000 to $1,500 per year) to perform in a Nazareth College choir, band, orchestra, or jazz ensemble. You do not have to receive a scholarship to perform in any Nazareth College music ensemble.

Audition schedule and what to expect

Schedule

Two weeks before the audition date that you registered for, you will receive a confirmation letter with a time to arrive.

MUSIC MAJORS: Upon arrival, you will receive a schedule that includes your times for warm-up; audition/interview; sight reading, music theory, and piano assessments.

NON-MUSIC MAJORS auditioning for a scholarship: Upon arrival, you will receive a schedule that includes your times for warm-up and audition.

What Else to Expect

Prepare for your audition following the detailed instructions for instrument/vocal on this page.

Organ

One primarily virtuosic piece by either a romantic or contemporary period composer

One primarily lyrical piece by a romantic or contemporary composer

Scales/arpeggios (two octaves hands together) may be requested

Sight-reading

Voice

The entrance audition demonstrates your ability to sing in tune with good quality, correct rhythm, and musical intelligence.

Audition repertoire for all degree programs must include at least two languages and contrasting historical styles.

All selections must be memorized.

Musical theater, jazz, or pop styles are not acceptable.

Students auditioning for the Bachelor of Music in music education, music therapy, music theory, music history, and Bachelor of Arts music degree must present three pieces selected from the standard classical vocal repertoire suitable to your age and ability. Students auditioning for the Bachelor of Music in music performance must present four pieces.

You'll be asked to sight read.

An accompanist will be provided for you. If you wish to bring your own accompanist, please let us know.

Brass and Woodwinds

All major scales, as well as solo material which demonstrates the practical range of the instrument and a variety of slurring and tonguing techniques.

Two solo pieces or movements of contrast in tempi are required.

Sight-reading

Guitar

Scales in two or three octaves (Segovia) played with two or more of the following combinations: i m i m/ i a i a/ m a m a/ a m i/ i m a m

Percussion

A short solo on each of the following instruments: snare drum, marimba, and timpani. As a general guide, NYSMMA level V and VI solos are preferred, with level IV acceptable in an area of less experience.

Optional: In addition to auditioning on snare drum, timpani, and marimba, you may choose to perform on drum set.

Sample literature includes:

Rudimental Swing Solos by Wilcoxen

Portraits in Rhythm by Cirone

Three Dances for Snare Drum by Warren Benson

Violin Sonata in A Minor, movement I or III by Bach

Suite for Xylophone and Orchestra by David Carey

selections from RaggedyRagtime Rags by Randy Eyles

Juniper by Kristen Shiner McGuire

Suite for Timpani by Dave Mancini

selections from The Solo Timpanist by Vic Firth

Seven Solo Dances for the Advanced Timpanist by George Frock

Sonata for Timpani by John Beck

Prepare for Music/Business Major Audition

Contemporary option

All music/business applicants interview with music/business faculty as part of your audition and you will take placement examinations in theory, aural skills, and piano.

You may choose the regular music-major audition format (see "Prepare for Music-Major Audition" on this page) OR if you have experience and interest in contemporary styles such as jazz, pop, rock, or musical theater, you may elect to present an audition with the following repertoire:

Voice

1. Sing two songs of contrasting nature:

One must be an art song (for example, one of the 24 Italian songs) or a traditional aria (for example, one of the arias from the Messiah).

The second selection could be a jazz, pop, rock, or musical theatre selection, or a piece that you have composed.

2. Sight-reading

Guitar

1. Perform two pieces of a contrasting nature:

One must be on an acoustic guitar in a classical style (demonstrating your ability to “finger pick” in a traditional classical guitar style).

The second piece may be in a jazz, pop or rock style and can be something you've composed. The piece may be performed on an electric guitar. You have the option of demonstrating your ability to improvise if this will enhance your audition.

2. Sight-reading

Electric Guitar

Play two contrasting pieces (style/feel, tempo, etc.).

One piece should display technical proficiencies, and the other highlight your musicality

The second piece can be another cover tune or an original composition.

One selection should be classical in nature, and if possible, performed from memory.

The second selection could be a jazz solo or a piece in a rock or popular music style; it may be something you composed.

Scales/arpeggios (two octaves hands together) may be requested.

Sight-reading

Other Traditional Band and/or Orchestral Instruments

For all other instruments (e.g., violin, viola, cello, flute, clarinet, oboe, sax, etc.), you will follow the same audition procedures as for other Bachelor of Music degrees (see "Prepare for Music-Major Audition" on this page), with one exception: For the second selection, you have the option of performing a piece in a jazz, pop or rock genre. The piece may be an original composition.

Prepare for Non-Music-Major Audition

Instrumentalists

Instrumentalists

Prepare

2 minutes of a movement or piece that is slow

2 minutes of a movement or piece that is at a fast tempo

You may also be asked to warm up with a scale or two before you play your pieces.

Vocalists

Vocalists

Prepare two pieces from the classical repertoire.

You'll have a brief rehearsal with a pianist prior to the audition.

Theatre

Which academic programs require a theatre audition or porfolio review

Audition required:

Acting (B.F.A.)

Musical Theatre (B.F.A.)

Theatre Arts (B.A)

Theatre Arts with Elementary Education (B.S.)

Theatre Arts with Adolescence Certification in English (B.A.)

Porfolio review required:

Technical Production (B.F.A.)

Scholarships

An exceptional audition or portfolio submission may qualify you for a theatre arts scholarship. If you are selected, these scholarships appear on your financial aid award letter.

Audition — acting (B.F.A.)

Students auditioning for admission or a scholarship should present a resume at the audition.

The following guidelines are standard for prepared monologue auditions across the country.

Arrive early enough to have a chance to look at the stage and make any necessary preparation. Costumes are not appropriate for auditions. Dress comfortably and in a way that does not distract from your characters.

Enter. Stop center stage. Place chair where you need it (if at all). Please bring no other props.

Establish eye contact with the auditor(s) (faculty) and greet them.

Introduce your piece, stating the play title and character name.

Take about 5 seconds to adjust your body and mind into character, locating the imaginary character you are addressing above the heads of the auditors.

Perform your piece. Memorization is mandatory.

Expect auditors to want you to do your best, but do not expect any reaction from them. This is not a reflection of the quality of your work.

Freeze after the last moment of the monologue. Hold for two counts.

Establish eye contact. Thank auditors.

There will be a short interview and some time to relax and ask questions.

Audition — musical theatre (B.F.A.)

Audition in three performance areas: vocal, dance, and acting components. Musical theatre students will also complete a music theory placement exam. Individual sight-singing and keyboard placement interviews will be scheduled within the remaining time.

Vocal portion: Students must prepare two 32-bar musical theatre songs that demonstrate their ability to sing in tune with good quality and musical intelligence. Both songs should be memorized and one should be written before 1965. One of the songs should be a ballad. Please bring your sheet music in a hard-back, three-ring binder (for easiest page-turning) and in the correct key. An accompanist will be provided.

Acting portion: Students must prepare two monologues which contrast comedy/drama or character. Each piece should be less than two minutes long and memorized. Select audition monologues that contain characters within five years of your current age.

Dance portion: Students will learn a brief dance combination from a musical. Those with extensive training may be asked to demonstrate additional dance skills. There will be time to change into dance attire. Students should dress in appropriately fitted dance or athletic clothes.

An interview follows the audition. Musical theatre students must submit a resume that includes personal goals as a theatre artist, relevant theatre experience, special skills and hobbies, and other performance or athletic experience. Your resume will be collected on the date you are scheduled to audition.

Portfolio — technical production (B.F.A.)

Interview Expectations

Verbal explanations of portfolio pieces

Responsibilities for productions presented

Design concepts

Personal design process

Discoveries which occurred during pre-production process (building)

Critical analysis and self evaluation of your work

Responses to questions which reveal your knowledge and understanding of theatre

Personal philosophy and goals as an artist of the theatre

Guidelines for Resume

Should include minimum three productions worth of experience

Should highlight leadership/supervisory positions

Should show us what you feel is your best work

References (examples): directors, theatre advisor, immediate supervisor, any professional or community theatre personnel

Addresses and phone numbers of individuals chosen as references

Guidelines for Technical Portfolio

Costume Design

Costume renderings/drawings

Mounted photographs or slides of production costumes

Photographs or slides of costumes constructed

Full-scale sample of designed or constructed costumes (not always possible)

Arrive early enough to have a chance to look at the stage and make any necessary preparation. Costumes are not appropriate for auditions. Dress comfortably and in a way that does not distract from your characters.

Enter. Stop center stage. Place chair where you need it (if at all). Please bring no other props.

Establish eye contact with the auditor(s) (faculty) and greet them.

Introduce your piece, stating the play title and character name.

Take about 5 seconds to adjust your body and mind into character, locating the imaginary character you are addressing above the heads of the auditors.

Perform your piece. Memorization is mandatory.

Expect auditors to want you to do your best, but do not expect any reaction from them. This is not a reflection of the quality of your work.

Freeze after the last moment of the monologue. Hold for two counts.

Establish eye contact. Thank auditors.

There will be a short interview and some time to relax and ask questions.

Students wishing to focus on dramaturgy, directing, or stage management are welcome to interview with a theatrical review or dramaturgical writing sample (dramaturgy/generalist), or a technical portfolio as listed for technical production candidates (directing/stage management).

Dance

Which academic programs require a dance audition

All applicants for the dance studies major must audition.

Applicants who want to pursue a dance minor are encouraged to audition to be considered for a performing arts scholarship.

Nazareth College's Theatre and Dance Department faculty evaluate auditions. Their conclusions are used by the admissions office to make a final admissions decision.

How far in advance do I need to register for my audition

You must register for your dance audition at least one week prior to the scheduled date to allow for proper evaluation.

Use the dance button near the top of this page.

Scholarships

Audition — dance

Come prepared to take a warm-up class (Ballet barre, and center Modern combination) with appropriate body-conforming dancewear, ballet shoes, convertible tights/bare feet, and a water bottle. Then plan to perform a prepared 2-minute solo in the style of your choice, followed by an individual interview with a faculty member.

Art

Which academic programs require portfolio review

Art Education (B.S. or B.S.-M.S. combined master's option)

Studio Art (B.S.), (B.F.A.)

Visual Communication Design (B.S.), (B.F.A.)

Note: there is not a portfolio requirement for the Art History major.

Submit your portfolio in-person or electronically

Attend a Portfolio Review Day: If you plan to attend a Portfolio Review Day in person, you can bring your portfolio with you and you do not have to upload digital files of your work. If you haven't signed up already for a Portfolio Review Day, be sure to register using the Art button near the top of this page.

If you are unable to attend any of the offered sessions but still wish to submit a portfolio in person, please schedule an appointment by emailing Mitch Messina at mmessin2@naz.edu, or by calling 585-389-2530.

Digital Submission: If you are unable to visit campus for an in-person review prior to an admissions decision being made, you should create digital files of your portfolio and email them to Mitch Messina at mmessin2@naz.edu or submit them by creating a SlideRoom account (free). Note: Coming to campus for a review with faculty is an encouraged, important part of the admission decision and scholarship-selection process.

Nazareth College Art Department faculty review portfolios and provide a score that is used to make a final admissions decision.

Scholarships

Nazareth offers additional scholarships based on the quality of students’ portfolio submissions.

Portfolio — art education, studio art, visual communication design

A strong portfolio includes a significant number of pieces based on direct observation from life (as opposed to photographs). We recommend portraits and self-portraits, drawings of hands and feet, landscapes, perspective drawings and a well-composed still-life. Do NOT include pieces that are copied from published photographs, advertisements, logos, copyrighted characters, etc.In addition a strong portfolio should demonstrate your artistic spirit and personal creative direction within your area of interest.

The portfolio is evaluated based on the following criteria:

Understanding of the elements of art and principles of design (dynamic, balanced composition).

Idea development (content is inventive; the piece communicates an idea).

Craftsmanship (evidence of skill; technique enhances the meaning of the art).

Presentation of the portfolio (professional, clean, well-organized); electronic and slide portfolios must have documentation of images, and the images must clearly and accurately represent the work.

The pieces chosen for your portfolio should include:

Your strongest work.

At least three different media (pencil, charcoal, pen & ink, pastels, acrylics, water color, collage and some three-dimensional work if possible: clay, metals, etc.) Photography and digital work can also be included.

Abstraction based on forms, textures, shapes, etc. Elements of the subject matter, whether it is landscape, still-life, machinery, architecture, etc., can be reordered, transformed, echoed, amplified, severely cropped, and exaggerated in many ways.